GenreTainment – Monster of the Week Creator Michael Sands on Game Design

Join the hunt as we track down the origins of Monster of the Week with its creator, Michael Sands! In this in-depth interview, Michael shares the story behind the game’s development, from its supernatural roots inspired by cult classics like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural to its rise as one of the most beloved urban fantasy-horror TTRPGs today. We explore how Monster of the Week offers a streamlined, narrative-driven alternative to more complex systems like D&D, while still delivering thrilling, monster-packed action. Along the way, Michael dives into his game design process, shares insights on his other projects, and celebrates the incredible community that continues to expand the game. Whether you’re a seasoned RPG veteran or just getting started, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and creative inspiration.

GenreTainment is where Marx & Julie talk about what is happening in the world of books, film, TV, web series, and games. We give you interviews with writers, game designers, directors, producers and actors in both independent and not-so-independent creations.

Links:

• Generic Games: https://genericgames.co.nz
• Generic Games third party policy: https://genericgames.co.nz/third_party_policy
• Evil Hat – Monster of the Week: https://evilhat.com/product/monster-of-the-week
• Evil Hat newsletter signup: http://evilh.at/1TnZya5
• XGE13 – Preview Edition: https://genericgames.itch.io/xge13-mini-preview-edition/devlog/797673/working-on-a-new-version
• Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cabbitcrossing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Dragons of a Different Tail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://books2read.com/dragonstail⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Tales of Monstrosity: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://books2read.com/talesofmonstrosity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GenreTainment on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/genretainment)
• Marx on Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MrMarx⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://x.com/MrMarx)
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠McCardy Music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmByV3iAOxwSQeiqQC4O5rg/featured)